In something of a flip on the concept of the glitzy Las Vegas residency that's blossomed in recent years, Billy Joel found himself a regular gig close to his house. His monthly Madison Square Garden residency kicked off this week with a night of singalongs and salty jokes--a perfect combo for his longtime fans.

As Katy Perry worked through a few rounds of presales late last week, ticket sales prompted the addition of several shows to her already lengthy schedule, while Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera and Foster the People all dipped their respective toes into U.S. tour activity with Jazz Fest ticket onsales.

After spending several previous days sequestered in the confines of the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT, practicing with his band, Sir Elton John opened his latest round of tour dates Nov. 8, this time promoting the 40th Anniversary of his seminal "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album.